Supportive Professional Staff Council
AGENDA
Thursday, April 8, 2009
HSC Clara Sperling Sky Room, Holmes Student Center
10:00 AM
Call to Order
Guest Speaker: Dr. John G. Peters, President (10:00 AM -11:30 AM)
Approval of agenda
Approval of meeting minutes – March 11, 2010
Announcements
a.) The Baccalaureate Review Task Force has posted its "Spring Update":
http://www.niu.edu/bacreview/index.shtml.
The report provides a summary of the task force's work during the fall semester as well as current efforts
during the spring 2010 semester. The NIU community is encouraged to read the report and share feedback;
to provide such input, contact Greg Long at glong@niu.edu.
b.) Women’s Track & Field- seeking volunteers to work 2 home meets: April 17th & April 29th
Please contact Sue Hansfield (753-9544) asap if you can assist for part of the day.
c.) SPS Evaluations – March 1 – June 30th; ensure your job description is updates; ensure you receive an
evaluation from your supervisor
d.)
SPS Survey – available 3/30 – 4/30; be sure to complete it; encourage colleagues to complete it
e.) “April Lobby Days” (Ken Zehnder): Two days of activities have been scheduled in Springfield in support
of higher education. A variety of groups have met throughout this year to share information on efforts to
encourage a resolution to the state budgetary crisis. The threat to the quality and availability of public
higher education in Illinois continues.
Wednesday, April 21st, has a broadened focus on behalf of the "Responsible Budget Coalition"
efforts. People representing all of education, social services and labor groups will be present. Information is
available at http://www.abetterillinois.com/ . A rally is scheduled for 11:30 on the grounds of the State
Capitol. April 21st is also University of Illinois Day at the Capitol.
Thursday, April 22nd developed from being the Illinois Community College lobby day and now
includes participation from the Federation of Independent Colleges and Universities, Illinois Student
Assistance Commission and representation from the public universities. Student groups will be holding a
press conference at 1:30 in the press room at the Capitol, and a request has been made to meet with the
Governor. This day was selected due to the anticipated difficulties of trying to meet with individual
legislators during the Responsible Budget Coalition rally, when large crowds are expected. The efforts on
Thursday will be concentrated on individual legislative contacts and therefore, a central rally has not been
scheduled.
As President Peters indicated in his budget statement, it is important "to exercise your right as a
citizen and contact your state legislators. Pay close attention to their positions on higher education funding,
and do not hesitate to voice your opinion."
Note: If you decide to contact your state legislators, please remember it is inappropriate to use
university resources (stationery, postage, e-mail, facsimiles, telephones, etc.) to communicate personal
opinions to legislators and policy makers.
Committees of the Council
Awards – Certificates of Recognition
Communications - no report
Constitution & Elections – April SPS Elections
Events – April 13th Luncheon; Wellness Fair update
Finance – no report
Legislative – no report
Technology Resources – no report
Workplace Issues – no report
Vice-President - report
Old Business
a.) Grievance procedure – vote
b.) Sabbatical Survey update New Business
a.) 2010-2011 SPSC meetings calendar - vote
b.)
University Committee Reports
Board of Trustees – no report
Faculty Senate – President’s e-report
University Council – President’s e-report
Adjournment
Representatives:
Alternates:
Please contact your alternate and the SPS Council secretary, Donna Smith, if you are unable to
attend the meeting.
You are invited to attend all meetings.